14 yr old golden retriever & family preparing to grieve - Pet forum for dogs cats and humans

Dee-O-Gee · #1 January 6th, 2009, 09:07 PM

I can't believe I'm writing this. As my tears are dropping on my keyboard, my family is now facing the inevitable. Our 14 year old Golden, Bailey is slowly slipping away. We know that Bailey needs to see our veterinary for a diagnosis however; I have tried to search information as to whether or not dogs do in fact simply pass away rather than being euthanized. We would rather see her set into her own sleep at our home in the comfort of her family rather than the alternative.

Chris21711 · #2 January 6th, 2009, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klmccallum

I can't believe I'm writing this. As my tears are dropping on my keyboard, my family is now facing the inevitable. Our 14 year old Golden, Bailey is slowly slipping away. We know that Bailey needs to see our veterinary for a diagnosis however; I have tried to search information as to whether or not dogs do in fact simply pass away rather than being euthanized. We would rather see her set into her own sleep at our home in the comfort of her family rather than the alternative.

I don't know where you live in Ontario, but there are Vets who will come to your home to perform the procedure. I am sad to hear that the time has come for your family member. :sad:

Frenchy · #3 January 6th, 2009, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klmccallum

I have tried to search information as to whether or not dogs do in fact simply pass away rather than being euthanized. We would rather see her set into her own sleep at our home in the comfort of her family rather than the alternative.

Or course , we all want that. :sad: But your dog may be in pain without you knowing it. Goldens have (usually) high tolerance to pain. You vet will be able to tell you after seeing your dog. Making the decision for euthanasia is hard , but rather that than waiting too long and making your dog suffer.

I am so sorry about what you're going through , enjoy your dog right now , make him comfy and tell him you love him as much as you can.

hazelrunpack · #4 January 6th, 2009, 09:39 PM

I'm so sorry you're going through this

It's always hard. :sad:

But Frenchy is right--you can't tell how much pain your dog might be in. So gather your courage in both hands and get the diagnosis

--maybe it's something that can be treated. At the very least, have the vet evaluate the pain level for your dog. You don't have to euthanize your sweetie then and there--it will still be your choice when and where you say goodbye. But you need to know what you're dealing with so you can decide what you're going to do.

Some dogs slip away quietly at home, but most need us to help ease them over. Ask your vet if they make housecalls to put animals to sleep. Many of them do for a little extra fee. The money has always been worth it in our minds.

May you find peace of mind in your decision, klmccallum. You're in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Dee-O-Gee · #5 January 6th, 2009, 09:42 PM

Thank you Frenchy. I was just hoping that Bailey would be able to go to sleep at night and just continue sleeping. Our family has had her right from her litter for 14 years. She is our first family pet so this experience is all new to us.

Dee-O-Gee · #6 January 6th, 2009, 09:48 PM

Thanks Hazelrun! I have been the chosen one to contact our vet tomorrow. It's very sad & difficult

Frenchy · #7 January 6th, 2009, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klmccallum

Thank you Frenchy. I was just hoping that Bailey would be able to go to sleep at night and just continue sleeping. Our family has had her right from her litter for 14 years. She is our first family pet so this experience is all new to us.

I have goldens , my sister has goldens. Last week , her 13 1/2 year old golden (who's on Metacam) couldn't get up one morning. They thought the time to say goodbye was near .... they waited 24 hours , helped their dog to get up and to walk. They went to the vet the next day , dog was ok , just stiff , when they came back home , the dog was acting like nothing had happen , he was able to get up and walk !!! So you never know.

Dee-O-Gee · #8 January 6th, 2009, 10:15 PM

Thank you for your thoughful comments and wonderful suggestions. What also makes this difficult is that we have a 4 yr old English Springer Spaniel that worships the ground that Bailey walks on. We have recently noticed (over the past few weeks) that he has continuously laid, coddled her and has licked her in and around her face. A lump that was the size of a dime a week & a half ago has grown into the size of a golf ball! Our springer won't leave her alone and just wanders around in a "daze." I'm also very afraid of this outcome not only to Bailey but to Gryphon--our Springer.

hazelrunpack · #9 January 6th, 2009, 10:18 PM

Are you sure the lump isn't an abcess?

t.pettet · #10 January 7th, 2009, 09:21 AM

This might be something thats treatable so please take her to the vet.Either way you want whats best for your dog, not to be in pain and whatever the outcome know her best interests are in your hands.

diandpat · #11 January 7th, 2009, 10:37 AM

Please take your dog to the vet...you really never know.

I have a 14.5 yr old golden and can relate on so many levels. I too pray that she will just go to sleep and not wake up one day so I don't have to make any decisions. I am also keenly aware that that is unlikely I it will be up to us to make the sad decision if/when the time comes.

Don't write her off just yet...get the information and make your decisons from there.

Good luck

Dee-O-Gee · #12 January 7th, 2009, 08:20 PM

Bailey will be seeing her vet on Monday afternoon. Tonight she ventured out to Grandma & Grandpa's house next door with my husband while I took our younger Springer for a nice long walk in the snow. Thank you once again all for your kind, heartfelt words. I will check back and keep y'all updated.

Thanks again

Mat&Murph · #13 January 7th, 2009, 08:24 PM

I hope everything works for the best!!!! It is soo hard to make the choice one wither or not to put our furry friends down and it never gets easier.

and we are all praying for you

hazelrunpack · #14 January 7th, 2009, 08:36 PM

for Monday's visit, then! We'll be thinking of you!

rainbow · #15 January 8th, 2009, 12:24 AM

Good luck at the vet....I hope Bailey's lump is just a benign fatty cyst.

Love4himies · #16 January 8th, 2009, 07:22 AM

Good luck at the vets on Monday

.

Dee-O-Gee · #17 January 8th, 2009, 07:26 PM

Thank you for your thoughtfulness. We are being optimistic and hope for a positive outcome. We also have a nice fluffy pure white cat too! She's an indoor cat and she thinks she is the "Queen of the Castle"!

Mat&Murph · #18 January 8th, 2009, 07:28 PM

Good Thoughts your way!!!!!!! We would love to bug you for pics too. Fingers crossed for Monday

Frenchy · #19 January 8th, 2009, 07:54 PM

Good luck at the vet , older golden , there's a good chance it's only a fatty lump !

Dee-O-Gee · #20 January 8th, 2009, 08:03 PM

Well she does have quite a few fatty cysts. We had a couple of them removed a few years back, but the ones around her jaw line feel very concerning. We're all just trying to feel positive towards our four legged family members so they don't sense any concerns and looking forward to her diagnosis on Monday. Thank you Frenchy

BusterBoo · #21 January 8th, 2009, 08:19 PM

to Bailey!!! I am sending tons of

that the lump is just some fatty thing! Enjoy your sweet Bailey this weekend...lots of loving and romps in the snow, hoepfully it won't be too cold and she can enjoy herself!

Good luck on Monday....

Dee-O-Gee · #22 January 8th, 2009, 08:43 PM

As I'm new to this, I think I posted some pictures in an album. Thank you so much for your positive thoughts

Terrycito · #23 January 8th, 2009, 08:45 PM

Good luck to Baily, I will be praying for her and your family.
I recently lost my dog, Schnauzer, his name was Terry, he died on Dic. 23rd, and today I picked up his ashes, very hard, I am still heart broken, so my advice to you is to show all the love you and your family have for Baily, they know and feel us, they will also understand and in a way will let you know what decision to make in case you find yourself in that situation. It is extremely hard but your heart will guide you towards the right path, nobody wants to see their loved ones in pain, you will know if the time comes.

I also have another dog, Molly, she knows Terry is gone, so now I am taking extra care of her and she is taking good care of me, it is incredible to know how much they are able to understand and to give (love).

I wish Baily the best, please keep us updated,
Good luck and positive thoughts

Terry

Molly

Frenchy · #24 January 8th, 2009, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klmccallum

As I'm new to this, I think I posted some pictures in an album.

ahhhh Bailey is adorable

(I loooove older goldens !) and Gryphon seems to love her so much , the cuddling pics are too cute !

Dee-O-Gee · #25 January 8th, 2009, 08:50 PM

Thank you Buster!! Bailey, Gryphon & I just went out for our weekly Thursday night wander around the yard.

Dee-O-Gee · #26 January 8th, 2009, 08:56 PM

Oh Terrycito...I'm so sorry to hear about Terry. It's really wierd that Gryphon, our other dog has become very somber and paces around in a daze. That has been very concerning for me especially because he's my little suckie! He has always been a lovable, energetic dog and I can sense and see he is depressed. Hope all goes well with Molly. Make sure you keep Terry's stuff around for a while so she can still sense him.

rainbow · #27 January 9th, 2009, 01:32 AM

What a beautiful fur family you have.

Kitty deserves to be "Queen of the Castle" cuz she is gorgeous.

And, I love the pic of Bailey & Gryphon in their Santa hats.

Sending more good wishes for Bailey's vet visit on Monday.

Dee-O-Gee · #28 January 9th, 2009, 09:42 PM

Well the past 24 hours have taken a turn for the worst. During the morning hours, Bailey could be heard gasping for air. It was a sound that I will never forget. My husband and I lay beside her on the floor. Our poor Gryphon (Springer Spaniel) knew that something was wrong and discretely removed himself into a corner of the room.

We called the vet this morning and rushed her in (rather than Monday). What we thought were fatty cysts, abscessed tooth, gingivitis, swollen lymph nodes turned out to be cancerous tumors the size of cauliflower leaves in the back of her throat and all through her air passage. As she was in her fourteenth year, our vet did not think that any kind of surgeries to this extent would justify her quality of living—a violation to her body to which we had no other choice but to agree. So he suggested that we take her home for the remainder of the day and bring her back at 5:45 p.m.

Our oldest daughter in University skipped her seminars to go and pick up our youngest child from high school by mid morning. I gave Bailey her daily grooming as Gryphon watched on. When our children arrived back home, we spent the rest of the day together-talking.

At 5:15 we said our sweet goodbyes. My husband (GOD BLESS HIS SOLE) took Bailey out for a quick walk up the laneway and into the car. Gryphon was beside himself! After their departure, I took Gryphon for a long walk, to calm him down. He has always suffered from separation anxiety.

I HATE THIS!!!! IT’S SO HARD!!!

You see, Bailey was so smart and intelligent. She had a spot where she laid and anyone of us could say to her, “IN YOUR SPOT” and there she would go. If we went to a family/friend function we would find her a spot—show her this spot and when the time would come for everyone to gather for a meal, we could just say IN YOUR SPOT and there she would go. She never ate table scraps because she was never introduced to them and they just did not accommodate SPOT!

I am worried about Gryphon as he was a follower to Alpha Bailey. Fortunately, our vet prescribed 25 mg of Acevet to help him through this time. We will try to use this in moderation when we have to go to work or school and he will be home by himself.

SO NOW THAT THIS THREAD SHOULD BE COMING TO A CLOSE AND AS A NEWBY…..COULD SOMEONE TELL ME IF THERE IS A WAY I CAN LINK THIS THREAD TO A NEW THREAD REGARDING A FOLLOWER PET LOSING AN ALPHA PARTNER?

May God be with my sweet GOLDEN ANGEL?
I LOVE YOU!

babymomma · #29 January 9th, 2009, 09:51 PM

Oh I am soo sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts!

R.I.P Dear girl.

If you open a new thread, to get this one linked on to it, you have to just copy whats in the search engine up abouve (Where you would type in pets.ca) and then, when you open a thread, you will see a "butten you have to click on that looks like a glbe with a paper clip on the bottom. Just paste what you copied from the search engine in there, and subit your thread.

hazelrunpack · #30 January 9th, 2009, 09:56 PM

I'm so sorry, klmccallum.

It's hard to let them go. It'll be an adjustment for Gryphon, too.

If you want some advice on how to help Gryphon adjust to being the only dog, you could start a thread in this forum. Give it a descriptive title and a short summary and you'll get some good advice.

We never seem to get enough time with our pets...they pass so quickly

But she's at peace now and no longer hurting.

Bailey